I Corinthians 13:1-6 (Part 62) The More Excellent Way

The necessity of love—vv. 1-3

Definition of love—It is the mental attitude that demands we do what is best for another in the light of eternity no matter what it costs me.

The character of love—vv. 4-7 The unselfishness of love—v. 4

• Love is patient (passive quality)

• Love is kind (active quality)

• Love is not envious

• Love does not vaunt itself

• Love is not puffed up (arrogant)

The conduct of love—vv. 5-6

• Unseemingly—to behave in a way to embarrass another

• Does not seek its own (pursuit of one’s own comforts): 1) Context determine the “what” of “its own,” 10:24, 33; 2) Love seeks to benefit others

• Love is not easily provoked—sudden outburst of emotion: 1) Being provoked is an attitude that is formed by a reaction: 2) If love is not present, we explode.

• Love thinks no evil (a wrong suffered): 1) No question about being wronged; 2) Bookkeeping term—to put in a ledger for future recall

• Love rejoices not in iniquity

• Love rejoices with truth: 1) Love takes sides

Relationship of love and truth

• It is not competition; it is cooperation.

• Love does not avoid truth.

• Love does not compromise truth.

• Truth is a moral issue (not intellectual): In the Bible, no one is wise who is not also good.

• Love “co-rejoices” with the truth—partnership.